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This program is ideal for law enforcement professionals who want to become investigators. It is also a starting point for aspiring investigators. 

Those in public safety and security roles listed below can benefit from this program:

• Security professionals

• Bylaw officers

• Inspectors in public and private sectors

• Peace officers

• Special provincial constables

Program Strengths

Instructors who are experts in their fields teach our courses. That means you benefit from their experience as investigators.

We schedule the courses to meet the needs of working professionals. So you have the flexibility to enhance your skillset while maintaining your responsibilities and obligations.

The program provides the opportunity for you to:

• Increase your awareness of the legal framework for investigations
• Obtain key skills to enhance your investigative tool kit (e.g., interviewing, report writing, etc.)
• Enhance your skills in an investigative area of your choice (e.g., search warrants, testifying, File Management, etc.)

The program includes core and elective courses that teach the skills needed to conduct a range of investigations and inspections. 

Core Subjects

• Introduction to the Criminal Justice System
• Report Writing for Professional Investigators
• Introduction to Investigation Processes and Skills
• Enhanced Investigative Interviewing
• Introduction to Criminal Law
• Introduction to Administrative Law

Elective Subjects

• Application for and Execution of Search Warrants
• Testifying in Legal Proceedings and Hearings
• Investigative File Management
• Conducting Internal Investigations
• Forensic Digital Imaging
• Criminal Evidence

What You Need to Graduate

Students in the program must complete 12 credits of courses offered in the program. Six core courses are sequenced in a particular order of completion for maximum benefit. Students are encouraged to register in this sequence. Register for your elective(s) at any time.

Want to take a course but not ready to commit to the program?

INVE-1000 Introduction to the Criminal Justice System is open for public registration. All remaining core courses require your application and acceptance to the program.

Criteria to Receive the Associate Certificate and Graduate

1. Proof of official acceptance to the program.
2. Proof of successful completion of 12 credits within 12 to 36 months of acceptance to the program. (Exceptions require documented Program Manager approval).
3. You must notify the program area when you have met and documented the associate certificate requirements.

Course Formats

Courses are offered in the following formats: 

Face-to-Face (F2F) Courses

Face-to-face courses are in-person classes held at a °®¶¹´«Ã½ campus or on-site in the community. Course lengths generally range from one to five consecutive days. 

Instructor-Facilitated Online Courses

Instructor-facilitated online courses require weekly participation (i.e. study at your own pace, but meet the weekly requirements). Requirements may include:

• Reading articles and case studies
• Active engagement in discussion boards sharing your ideas and perspectives
• Meeting assignment deadlines
• Completing online quizzes and exams

You will have 24/7 access to the online course. You must complete all requirements before the end date.

Upcoming Courses

For the latest schedule of upcoming courses, view the program Course Calendar. 

Upcoming Intakes & Application Deadlines

Intakes

Two intakes per year: September and January

Application Deadlines

Application Open: Continuous intake

Application Deadline: Continuous intake

Once accepted into the program, we will send you information on registering for courses.

Tuition

Each course is paid for separately during course registration. Tuition to complete the entire program is approximately $5,000.

Additional Fees

Learner Services Fee (price dependent on course locations)

Textbooks & Supplies

Course readings and materials will be supplied. If additional books or other materials are required, you will be advised when you are accepted into the program.

STEP ONE - Apply to the Program

1. Complete the  via EducationPlannerBC.

STEP TWO - Submit Supporting Documents

• The program accepts applications from individuals who are 18 years of age or older, regardless of their educational or professional background. 
• To apply for the program, applicants will need to submit an application through the portal.

Financial Aid and Awards 

Candidates for this program may be eligible for °®¶¹´«Ã½ awards and bursaries including the °®¶¹´«Ã½ General Student Bursary. All students are encouraged to apply.

For more information, visit the Financial Aid & Awards page or contact the Financial Aid & Student Awards Advisor.

Application Deadline

• Continuous intake

Q: I'm interested in taking a few courses but not completing the associate certificate program. Is this possible?

A: Yes. One Core course is open enrollment: INVE-1000 - Introduction to the Criminal Justice System. All other Core courses will require an application and acceptance into the program. There may be a few electives for open enrolment. Check the Course Calendar for this program often.

Q: Can I complete the program part-time?

A: Yes. The program has been designed to be completed part-time. Note that students in the program must complete all the requirements within three years of being accepted into the program in order to graduate from the program. There is only one core course that requires classroom attendance. Online courses offer flexibility to balance your work/life commitments.

Q: Am I eligible to apply if I am not already employed as an investigator?

A: Yes. The program is for investigators wanting to refresh or upgrade, and also for those exploring the investigative field. 

Q: If I take a course now, will it be included in the associate certificate program when I enroll?

A: You need to apply to the program to be eligible for the associate certificate. You need to complete all credits within 36 months. The longer you delay applying to the program, the greater chance that the credits you have earned will outdate and not qualify for the associate certificate.

Q: Can I take all courses in a year?  

A: Course availability will be on the website. We reserve the right to cancel undersubscribed courses.

Q: The course is full. Can I go on a waitlist?

A: We do not keep waitlists. Check back on the program's Course Calendar for future offerings.

Q: I think I have enough credits to graduate. What is the process for receiving my certificate? 

A: The first step is to notify the program that you have completed 12 credits and ask them to verify that you meet the graduation requirements. We will then walk you through the process of getting your certificate.